Thread: Haunted House Candelabra

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Ok let us start at the begining as all good spooky tales do.

I was asked to help the Sevier County Humane Society in TN with a fund raiser. A Party at the Civic Center. After a visit to see the size of the main room (which at one time was several movie theaters) I decided that a few large props would fit the bill and I began by surfing the net for ideas. I came across some images from a Pro catering group/company somewhere in New York, I think, and I was inspired to create this design.
(these are not miy images and I'm not sure where they came from buy they are so cool)

Here is the room with the main lights on


and Here they are with the main lights out

DESIGN:
I did a 3D design to see what it would look in several different lighting and settings.

In this drawing you can see where I was working the candle count for the design

3 Levels and 4 quarts worked out to 36.

Those lights are really awesome! But how easy could they be to make? Doesn't look too hard for those of you who have the imagination required.

P.S. TNBrad You live in the Smokies?

THE STAND:
Here is a picture of the tools and materials I used to build a Candelabra, everything you will need can be found at your local Home Center and Maga Mart (LOL).

and I made a Jig/Template to help me place the screw holes evenly so they don't run into each other.

The Measurements I used were made up as I built them.


After assembling the main structure, I painted them Dark Brown with an Oops paint from Home Deport. with the color adding to the look and helping them disappear into the dim lighting.

Before I get to far a head of my self Let me give a list of the materials I used;

6 foot long 2 inch by 2 inch wood (Center stand and feet)
2 inch by 1 inch (arms)
¼ inch by 2 inch PVC molding trim (Rings)
Dry wall screws 1.5 inch and 2 inch.
Oops paint. (Dark brown)
Flat Black spray paint (rings)
4 inch by 4 inch piece of scrape peg board (Black light stand)

Here is a look at how the arms and legs are set I built these so I wouldn't have to make too many special cuts. Everything works off of a 90 degree angle. All I had to cut these with was a hand held Miter saw for doing picture frames ($10 at the Wal-Mart)

I started drilling the center hole for the each Ring. and After a few tries, I learned that by adding a flat washer to the Dry wall screw would help prevent cracking and braking.

after the Center is set I workrd my way around right and then left to help keep the stress equal.


After I had all the Rings on each stand I sprayed them with a flat black paint. Do so outside or in a very well ventilated area.

here is a close look at the Rings and you can see any over spray just adds to the aged look.

also you can see how the arms are affixed to the center structure. Over the lap the Rings by 1 inch each way. This stuff gets brittle if it's cold so let the PVC warm-up in your house or garage before start bending it.

Great tutorial and those look great!

Thanks so very much.
I'm slowly working from work Shhhhhhh ;-'))

OK here you can see where I was checking the look of the Stand to the 3D image I made.
Pretty close I think ;-"))

Here is a close up of the screws and the feet are done the same way too.

The CANDLES:

Supplies you will need:
Chili Pepper Christmas lights (9 Sets) of 35 lights
1/2 inch PVC pipe (get the one with the thicker wall) (Schedule 40 I think)
15 FOOT BROWN Extension cord
small Black Zip Ties
Tools I used:
Drimel Tool with Roto zip Bit
Table Saw
StyroFoam Ice Chest

I first got these Chili Pepper light sets from the Hobby Lobby. and noticed when they are turned upside-down the look like candle flames

After looking around I found a year round Christmas decor store nearby, and found a different brand of great Chili Pepper lights


Now what I learned here is... that there were 2 different types of lights; ones that were made in the US and those from Mexico.
The ones from the US were stronger, evenly spaced and had 35 lights.
The ones from Mexico, (I got at Hobby Lobby) well the wires would pull out easily, some were to close together and others had 2 long and 1 short wire, and the best they didn't always have 35 lights, some only had 34 or 33 and one had 37. Hmmm.